Anderson .Paak just dropped a bombshell: he’s working on new music with none other than Mariah Carey.
The Silk Sonic singer let the news slip during an episode of the social media series Track Star, where guests are challenged to name mystery songs. When Mariah’s 1996 classic Always Be My Baby played, .Paak lit up, and casually revealed what fans had no idea was coming.
“This would be Mariah Carey. The Mariah Carey,” he said with a grin, while rocking a T-shirt featuring her face. “We’re working on some music on her new album.”
That’s right, Mariah Carey is cooking up a new album, and Anderson .Paak is involved. Whether it’s a single collab or a few tracks, he didn’t say. But the fact that they’re working together at all? That’s a pairing no one had on their 2025 bingo card.
This comes just weeks after the two were spotted holding hands following the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March, fueling rumors of a possible romance. They were also seen leaving a restaurant together around the same time, according to People magazine. Neither has confirmed or denied anything beyond the studio session, but fans are watching closely.
Mariah, 56, hasn’t dropped a full studio album since 2018’s Caution, but she’s made it clear new music is on the way, she’s just taking her time. In an interview with Best magazine, she said she’s deep into the songwriting phase, but hasn’t pinned down a release date.
“I have a lot I want to do. I’m busy,” she said. “I’m writing new material, so there is new music and a new album coming some time in the future. I’m not sure when. I’m just enjoying the songwriting process.”
The last year has been a reflective one for Carey. She celebrated 20 years of The Emancipation of Mimi in 2024, a comeback album she’s still proud of, and also marked the 30th anniversary of her Merry Christmas album, home to the unstoppable holiday juggernaut All I Want For Christmas Is You.
“It was kind of a comeback album for me at the time and it’s still one of my favourites,” she said of Emancipation.
As for holiday music, Mariah’s not just bumping her own hits in December. She’s got a playlist full of festive staples like Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song and Donny Hathaway’s This Christmas.
But back to the new album, Anderson .Paak’s involvement could signal a major shift in sound. Known for his blend of soul, funk, and hip-hop, he might just bring a whole new texture to Mariah’s legendary vocals. Whether it’s upbeat, introspective, retro-inspired, or completely unexpected, fans are now officially on alert.
No word yet on when we’ll hear what they’re working on. But one thing’s for sure: Mariah Carey teaming up with Anderson .Paak is the kind of cross-generational, genre-blending move that could turn heads and dominate charts.
